United today announced that it will add a minimum spending threshold in order for its customers to qualify for elite frequent-flier status.

Beginning in 2014, customers will need to spend at least $2,500 on United-issued tickets in order to qualify for United's lowest tier of elite status. Passengers still must fly 25,000 miles per year to reach that "Premier Silver" threshold.

While the move adds a new hoop for frequent-fliers to jump through, its actual effect may be muted since it would be difficult for most travelers to fly that many miles without hitting those spending thresholds.

The change will most likely affect two groups of fliers: those who buy fly circuitous routings at deeply discounted fares and those who fly almost exclusively not on United, but rather its partner airlines. Even there, however, most tickets bought directly from United count towards the threshold -- even if they're for United "coded" flights operated by a partner.

The move mirrors a similar effort announced by Delta, which also is to begin in 2014.

United spokesman Rahsaan Johnson says the move is aimed at rewarding its customers that give it the most business.